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Cost of Standardized Testing

Cost of Standardized Testing

Monday, December 10, 2012

Education Week recently released findings from a new report by Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution that states standardized testing is costing states $1.7 billion per year. On average, the report noted that standardized test spending costs roughly $65 per student in grades 3-9; however, the amount spent per student ranged from $7 to $114 per student. While a relatively small cost overall, the weight of testing costs are increasingly important as education budgets are more and more strained.

With Common Core aligned-assessments on the horizon, those costs could decrease on average as a result of consortia support and common standards; however, as classroom dynamics shift and standards change, one thing is certain, educators will always need trusted resources that they can rely on to help support classroom instruction. Educators must ensure that they get the most out of their investment. They must ask themselves, how do I prepare my students for state tests, be they Common Core aligned, or not, while also ensuring they receive a well-rounded and balanced education?

With over 50 years of experience in education, Edmentum is that resource; designed to partner with educators as they drive student achievement. Edmentum provides trusted, proven, and cost-effective solutions that not only prepare students for high stakes tests, but also ensure that they succeed in the classroom.

For example, Portland Elementary School implemented a math program in 2010 with Study Island, Edmentum’s test preparation solution. They needed an engaging and fun program that would focus and challenge their students. From 2010 to 2011, Portland saw an overall gain of 40% in math scores. Dr. Hopper, the school’s principal noted, ““When a student does not master a standard, Study Island automatically prescribes remediation. This makes the teacher’s job much easier, frees up their time to provide more support for students’ in their area of need, and enables students to quickly address areas of weakness while building foundational skills as they move toward grade-level proficiency.”